Triker Wannabe UPDATE

[John Luciano]

Well In Conn. U can't ride a trike until you pass the TEST on a std shift motorcycle . If you do it on a scooter they will stamp it for use on a scooter only. So I tried to get a Bill passed for people such as yourself that could ride a trike but not a 2 wheeler. The bill is stuck right now with no vote for or against. So unless the state you live in lets you test on a trike I guess you are correct this is not your cup of tea. My best friend died 1 1/2 years ago and left his widow a $23,000 trike . She experienced the same as you got too nervous. All tho she drives the trike fine, she may never get to ride it. BTW my interview went fine I have my 3rd interview on Fir. This may be good . I have my fingers Xed

 

[HeartSleeve]

John -- CONGRATS on the interview. I'll be pulling for you on #3. I didn't realize a job at Lowes would require 3 interviews but I guess it's a sign of the economy. Good luck!

In Delaware, they treat a trike like an ATV, so I dont need a special license. However, I do need to insure it, and passing the MSF safety cert does reduce the insurance I'd pay considerably... but the class only teaches on a 2-wheeler.... so I'm kinda stuck. No way I can see to learn on a trike - and no trike rentals anywhere close. See what I mean by nothing about this falling into place? AT this point, I don't know if my expectations are just really unrealistic or not. If I lived in a metro area, I'd probably have more options, but here in East Podunk, I'm limited in what's available as far as classes and bikes/trikes to learn on that don't go at warp speed.

Pity it's not the type of object you can pick up at a yard sale!!!!

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

HeartSleeve, Cheri is right. You did not Fail!!! Do you know how many people don't finish the course? Lots and Lots and it is nothing to be ashamed of. IF and only if, you are still wanting to try a Trike, check with the MSF about Trike/side car courses. You can use their trikes. We have 2 a year here in my area at the local college. Trikes are becoming very popular and courses are starting to crop up everywhere. I would think it would be much more laid back then the two wheel course, plus not as many participants which could get you more individualized attention. Just a thought.

By the way....I have a corgi, too!!

 

[Juju]

Heartsleeve, I just want to echo most of what the others have said--you've had the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson about yourself, and it sounds like you are honest enough with yourself to really learn from it.

I also thought the class moved along a little more quickly than I would have liked, BUT the instructors kept telling us that if we felt we needed more time, we should say so and they would work with us until we were comfortable. I guess I could've taken advantage of that, but I know myself, and I knew that all I needed was time on my own to work on the concepts I'd learned until they sunk in. Like you, I just needed some me-time in an empty parking lot with a little bike.

I guess the difference is that I was able to stay in the class and it was pretty clear to me that I enjoyed the riding--even if the lessons were sometimes nerve-wracking--so I knew I wanted to ride. As Cheri said, that's the question you need to answer for yourself. But you should also consider that it's hard to know whether you WILL like riding until you feel more comfortable on a bike. And even when you DO finish the class, an honest instructor will tell you that now you are qualified only to ride around a parking lot, and only a lot more practice and time in the saddle will make you a rider. Just some things to think about--as if you didn't have enough already!

Other than that, I have no words of wisdom--just want to suggest that you shouldn't give it up yet. I wish you lived nearby--I'd let you take a spin on Goldie, and I just KNOW you'd love it. A sweet and generous person (whose name I won't mention but whose initials are Nana ) did as much for me before I had my own trike.

Hoping you can find a way, if it's what you really want.

 

[HeartSleeve]

Thanks, JuJu

I wish that had been the situation in my class, but both instructors made it clear, as did others who have taken this class before me, that "keeping up" is part of the test. There was NO option to "take it at my pace" or to get special instruction -- there were only 2 instructors and 12 riders (broken into 2 groups of 6). No time to baby a slow learner. And he DID make it clear that even when we pass the course, the parking lot is the only real place we are qualified to operate in.

I havent given up entirely. I'm trying to see if the T R I group - who I believe sponsor MSF-trike instruction classes around the country (and at Americade) have anything scheduled for any where in a 75 mile radius of my location.

But I also don't want this to become a major stresser - I dont learn ANYTHING when I feel like there's a clock ticking or a gun to my head. I CAN learn if I apply myself and I'm given time to absorb and get comfy with everything step by step, but I just felt horribly overwhelmed yesterday by mid-morning. I could feel my my arms and hands just turning to jelly, which was pretty much my state of mind by then. But cruising around in a circle was great fun. Even if I never got outta 2nd gear!!!:blush:

And the fact that I know of NO trike owners here abouts only complicates or thwarts my attempts at a work-around. A lot to ponder. And I dont want this to become a chore - that defeats the whole purpose. Right now, it's hard not to feel like a round peg in a square hole.

 

[Juju]

I havent given up entirely. I'm trying to see if the T R I group - who I believe sponsor MSF-trike instruction classes around the country (and at Americade) have anything scheduled for any where in a 75 mile radius of my location.

But I also don't want this to become a major stresser - I dont learn ANYTHING when I feel like there's a clock ticking or a gun to my head. I CAN learn if I apply myself and I'm given time to absorb and get comfy with everything step by step, but I just felt horribly overwhelmed yesterday by mid-morning. I could feel my my arms and hands just turning to jelly, which was pretty much my state of mind by then. But cruising around in a circle was great fun. Even if I never got outta 2nd gear!!!:blush:

Right now, it's hard not to feel like a round peg in a square hole.

Oh sister, I can relate! For me too, the stress just turns on the sweat pumps and turns off most of my learning ability. It sounds like you did the right thing for yourself, until you can gain some perspective and consider alternatives. Maybe with some time and space, that square-peg-round-hole thing will diminish too. I've got my fingers crossed for you.

There was a woman in my MSF class who couldn't seem to get out of 2nd gear on Saturday morning either. She left the class after the morning session, but I've heard that she has since gone back and ... passed! Proof positive that there is hope yet!

I hope the TRI classes will work out for you, or some viable alternative. You might also look up S/TEP, which I think stands for Sidecar/Trike Education Program (or words to that effect). Just a thought.

Keep us updated!

 

[Nana]

Heartsleeve.... I agree with Juju, Ironhorsepilot, and Spiritdream on this. No way a failure! And as with many things in life, even if you decide to never ride, it is never a failure--just a redirection. As long as you continue to feel a true interest, take the time to find the way, as it is there. If you don't feel a true interest, let it go and find the right option for yourself . Just don't run away from all of us! We like you around here .

PS. Juju, your trike's "sash" cracks me up!

 

[spiritdream]

HeartSleeve, just a thought here.....do you have a Harley dealership nearby? If so, talk to them abut their Riders Edge course. They cost a bit more than the MSF courses, bu from what I understand they generally give more individualized attention. You may also have more luck with them finding a one-on-one instructor opportunity.

If you DO decide to go back to the MSF course, I would definitely ask for different instructors!!! No way should they have made you feel like you had to "keep up" in order to pass!!!! (Don't mean to beat a dead horse - that just burns me that they'd even insinuate that!! :machinegun I remember in my course, more than one time the instructors pulled a person aside here and there to help with a problem....granted they can only do that for so long because there are other students that need to move on, but still!! That particular class you were in (hopefully it wasn't the school itself! ) sounds more like a "license mill" - weed 'em out, pass 'em, and get home. I'd ask if you spoke to the school itself, but I know how they work - all the instructors need to do is say the word "unsafe" and the school will back them 100%.

As someone else said, do what's right for you, just don't run away!! We enjoy your company too much!! :yes:

 

[HeartSleeve]

Thanks, Ladies...

I have two "local" HD dealers within about 30-45 mins of me, but neither of them offer the Riders Edge class... I checked that first thing, because I had read they were more comprehensive courses, which sounded GOOD to me! The closest RE course/dealership is about 2 hrs from me, and with that kind of a drive, I'd probably have to get a motel room for the 3-4-5 days they run the class.

I can tell you tho, that the DE state MSF class I took, at least at the location I took it, they made it very clear up front that there was NO individual instruction or time for stragglers/slow learners. In fact, they said slow learners have taken the class 5-6 times before they had passed it, and I was invited to "try again" as many times as I needed.

But at 50 bucks a pop, and a 2-3 week lag time between classes, if they are gonna bounce me every time I feel I'm in over my head (as opposed to just letting me slip off to the side and practice what they already taught me) I'd have to take it several more times before I got it all where I felt comfortable. That's not realistic from either a financial or a time standpoint. Especially since I don't have one at home I can practice on between classes...

So it's a lot to think about: to bike or not to bike; try to find a trike to practice on; consider going to an automatic transmission trike; find someone who can offer personal instruction; the possibilities seem almost endless.

I promise I won't disappear. But I think I've looked at all the various permutations and short of a miracle or something coming out of left field to save the day, I'm kind of at a dead end here. I'm going to let it marinate and see if my interest bubbles up enough to want to retake that MSF class... or see if something else wonderful falls into place.

Thanks for the votes of confidence... makes me grin from ear to ear! :yes:

 

[John Luciano]

Heart sleeve I am trying to contact a Triker in your area. I will let you know if I get any bites on it.

 

[HeartSleeve]

Thanks, John.... I'll keep my fingers crossed!

 

[HeartSleeve]

In a strange but not surprising twist of fate, I heard back from a guy last night known as "TrikerJim" who is the tri-state rep hereabouts for an organization called TRI (Trike Riders Int'l) about any upcoming trike instruction classes, and he said one was just held 2 weekends ago about 2 hrs from me. I swear!!!! He said he would check to see when the next one is, and would get back to me, but he said they are only held a couple times a year....

foooooey!:banghead:

 

[ultraboy]

HeartSleeve, I have read your trials and tribulations with both interest and sadness. It's a real shame that one of us here on the board isn't close enough to you to help you chase your dream. However, like John said, we will keep our eyes and ears open for something or someone to help you along. Now, with all that said, I am a member of TRI, and I know that they are doing a trike class this year at Americade. For more information go to TRIKE RIDERS INTERNATIONAL On the left side, click on "Americade TRC"

Hang in there, You'll make it!!

 

[HeartSleeve]

Thanks, Dave.

I've got to be philosophical about it, I guess. If it is meant to happen, it will. I just keep putting little oars in the water, and see which way the tide turns me. If I were a stronger swimmer, this would all be moot. But I appreciate all the support.

Mary

 

[John Luciano]

The ride up to Ameicade would be worth the trip . If you have vacation time. No bites yet on trikes in your area.

 

[John Luciano]

Still no bites on the trike in DC area. Were are you close to VA, NJ , DEL .. We only have 12 members in DC area and not any have trike that I can see.
If you feel brave I can give you # of people in DEL ( Dover , Georgetown , Harrington ,NEWARK, SEAFORD , BRIDGEVILLE, SELBYVILLE, NEW CASTLE... ANY OF THESE CLOSE. E MAIL ME IF YOU CAN

 

[HeartSleeve]

You said:

you have a # of people in DEL ( Dover , Georgetown , Harrington ,NEWARK, SEAFORD , BRIDGEVILLE, SELBYVILLE, NEW CASTLE...

Selbyville is very close (less than 5 miles from me), Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Bridgeville and Seaford about an hour from me, and New Castle is about 2 hrs from me.

Glad the interview went well for you John. Hope you enjoyed your dinner out!

Mary

 

[John Luciano]

Sent U a PM on phone and name of person 5 miles from you

 

[Oldveteran]

Everyone has to start somewhere!

Just turn the thing on.warm it up, pull in the clutch, give it a little throttle, release the clutch SLOWLY, and ride on. HOWSUMEVER; it is important to TURN when needed, and STOP when needed! The rest is EASY!!!! I'm being a little lite on the riding instructions, but you will make out alright.

Pass the thing and let us know how you're doing.

Oldveteran :Trike1:

 

[hardwickbv]

Welcome from Indiana !!! :Coffee:

Bob

 

[Zammy]

Hey guys, HeartSleeve hasn't logged on for 6 years, 2014 was his last activity.